Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Also known as the Polish Owczarek Nizinny (PON for short) in its Poland home, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized, spirited working breed who protects its flocks from predators. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog's name is derived from the Polish language and its English name is a direct translation. It is believed that the Polish Lowland Sheepdog originally descended from Central Asia and was shipped to Poland. The breed was originally used to assist shepherds with directing flock to their destination. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is about half the size of the Old English Sheepdog. It is longer than it is tall in size. Its appearance is that of a muscular body accompanied by an elegant gait which allows it to complete its work easily and tirelessly. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is an independent and fierce working dog. It can become stubborn due to wanting to follow its original purpose of herding. Highly energetic and cheerful, this breed can outsmart you if you are not careful. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a shaggy dog whose hair must be maintained regularly. Its coat must be brushed out daily in order to prevent tangling and to cut down on the shedding.

Purpose

sheep herding

Date of Origin

1500s

Ancestry

tibetan terrier, lhasa apso, puli

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health

Average Size

Height: 18-20 inchesWeight: 35-40 lbs

Height: 17-19 inchesWeight: 30-35 lbs

Major Concerns

Diabetes

Minor Concerns

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Occasional Tests

Blood Test

Blood And Urine Protein Screens

Physical Examination

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed History

The name Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a direct translation from Polish Owczarek Nizinny. It is said that the Polish Lowland Sheepdog originated in the 1500s in Central Asia from the Tibetan Terrier and the Lhasa Apso. At the time, the Tibetan Terrier was considered an optimal object for trade and eventually arrived in Europe. This breed was then bred with the local Hungarian sheepdogs, including the Puli. The smaller Polish Lowland Sheepdogs were useful due to their ability to move and herd sheep and remain an alert and effective watchdog. Even then, the breed was fierce and fearless across different situations which may have scared off bigger dogs. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog was developed from a cross of these previous breeds in an effort to create a self-sufficient herding dog. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog was thought to be responsible for the creation of the Bearded Collie after a trade that occurred on a Polish ship in 1514. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, this dog’s expertise in herding sheep was widespread across Europe and it grew in popularity. After World War I, there was growing interest with breeders who wanted to selectively breed the dog. In 1924, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog was shown at a Warsaw dog show. After World War II, it was rumored that only about 150 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs survived. In 1957, the first Polish Lowland Sheepdog was registered with the Polish Kennel Club. In 1965, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog was exhibited at the World Dog Show, finally receiving worldwide recognition. In 1987, the American Polski Owczarek Nizinny Club was founded. In 2001, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog was officially recognized by the AKC. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog remains Poland's national dog and it is even featured on mail stamps. In Gilmore Girls, a Polish Lowland Sheepdog by the name of Paul Anka is featured in the show after the character Rory leaves for college and her mother Lorelai Gilmore needs companionship.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed Appearance

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized breed with quick reflexes and agility in the field. Its body is longer than it is tall in height. Its head is proportionate to its body and has the expression of a penetrating gaze. Medium-sized eyes are covered by its shaggy coat. The muzzle contains strong jaws with a scissors bite. The nose is large and color can vary between black or brown, while the neck of this alert and eager canine is muscular and broad. Its tail is a short length and may be docked. The front feet are larger compared to the rear feet, with both feet sporting pads that are firm and strong allowing for a fluid gait. Its nails are dark in color. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog maintains a double coat that consists of a shaggy and thick outercoat, but also contains a soft but dense undercoat. Colors may be beige, black, black and white, brown, chocolate and white, gray, gray and white, tri-colored, and white.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Brown

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

White

Brown

Fawn

Gray

Coat Length

ShortMediumLong

Coat Density

SparseNormalDense

Coat Texture

StraightWiryWavyCurlyCorded

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed Maintenance

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a shaggy, thick coat with a dense undercoat which requires regular grooming. It is important to brush out your Sheepdog’s coat at least once daily to prevent matting and to ensure the fur is kept maintained. Matting can lead to discomfort, hidden skin infections, and may give a painful experience. You should never bathe your dog when his fur is in mats as it will only tighten them up and they will become virtually impossible to remove. Ensure your pet’s coat is properly brushed out with a brush and a greyhound comb for optimum results. Bathing should only take place every 6 to 8 weeks if necessary. This breed is not hypoallergenic and is an average shedder. Because of the thick fur, debris may be trapped, causing a strong odor which may not be pleasant for the family. Every 2 to 3 weeks a nail trimming should be planned. Ears should be kept dry and will need to be cleaned weekly and the teeth brushed a couple of times per week. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog requires space to be able to move around and expend its energy. This high energy breed requires vigorous exercise in order to tire him out. A home with a large yard would be best for this breed. An active companion who has a high tolerance for the cold due to its coat, may have a low tolerance for the heat.

Brushes for Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Pin Brush

Dematter

Clipper

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

DailyWeeklyMonthly

Polish Lowland Sheepdog Temperament

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is described as a highly territorial, alert and vigilant watchdog. It is considered on the low end of trainability due to its highly intelligent nature. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is known to steal household items and hide them away within the home. It is important to remain on alert whenever your dog is around your possessions. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is considered to be a good-natured, loveable working dog with a superb memory. Considered highly independent and stubborn, this dog should also be given the chance to show he is an excellent companion. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is dedicated to its family and provides protection over them. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is wary of strangers and may need early exposure to strangers in order to discern a friendly stranger from a non-friendly stranger. Due to its stubborn nature, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is considered to be a slightly difficult breed to train appropriately. It may march to its own beat and not be interested in your commands. Owing to a strong herding instinct your Sheepdog may attempt to nip at children if the behavior is not corrected. Exposure to animals must be done so in the early stages of his socialization so he can accept others.